EMERGENCY DESTRUCTION
ED is the act of destroying the offensive and/or defensive characteristics of ammunition materiel and facilities in
order to prevent their capture and use by the enemy. ED is a command decision based on the following:
Command policy.
Tactical situation.
Types, quantities, and location of items to be destroyed.
Demolition materials available.
Personnel available.
Time available.
Prior to issuing an ED order, commanders should consider relocating or diverting ammunition stocks to a more
secure storage area or force issuing stocks to using units, if possible. If ED is directed, consideration should be
given to selecting a site that will disrupt the enemy's movement but will prevent hazards to friendly troops.
Authority
The authority to conduct ED operations at an ammunition storage facility is a command decision made by the
division commander or a higher-echelon commander. If the situation requires, this authority may be delegated to
subordinate commanders. Once an ED order is given, only the commander who gave the order, or a higher
authority, may revoke the order.
Degrees of Destruction
By degrees of destruction, we mean that stocks may be completely destroyed, damaged beyond repair, or
modified and/or demilitarized. Demilitarization in ED means the disposal or deactivation of ammunition. It
includes several methods that may be used to modify or damage stocks to the extent that they cannot be used or
repaired. These methods include:
Disassembly and removal of explosives.
Alteration.
Mutilation.
Cutting.
Crushing.
Scrapping.
Melting.
Dumping at sea (when authorized).
Munitions to be Destroyed
Since time may be a major factor in ED, priorities for ED should be assigned to allow for the most complete job
possible. Before you can assign ED priorities, you first must identify the types, quantities, and locations of items
to be destroyed. This may be accomplished by reviewing the stock accounting records to determine those items
and components on hand. These accounting records include DA Forms 5203 (DODIC Master/Lot Locator
Record) and DA Forms 5204 (Serial Number Record). Request that the storage and surveillance sections assist
you in identifying quantities and locating all stocks. Review the facility's planograph, DA Form 3260 (Igloo
Planograph [Ammunition]), to locate stocks.
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